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Ryobi RY905500 (Discontinued)

The Ryobi RY905500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,875 W.

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Ryobi RY905500Ryobi RY905500Ryobi RY905500

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Ryobi RY906500S. However, you might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.

Description

The Ryobi 5,500-Watt Portable Generator with EasyStart technology is where efficiency meets convenience. With a Heavy Duty 420cc OHV engine, this generator delivers 5,500 Running-Watts (6,875 Surge/Starting-Watts) and is powerful enough to be used on a jobsite or as an emergency backup system. Featuring the EasyStart 3-Step starting system and a large 6 Gal. fuel tank, the Ryobi 5,500-Watt Generator can run up to 9 hours at 50% load. The Digital Hour Meter Display allows you to monitor essential functions such as Time of Use, Voltage, Hertz and Total Hours used. The Quick-Release handle provides easy and compact storage while the flat-free wheels and the Hand Truck Frame design allow for easy transport, even over rough terrain. This generator is also equipped with an Automatic Voltage Regulator that provides consistent power. The Control Panel features (4) 120-Volt 20 Amp (GFCI Protected) outlets and (1) 240-Volt Twist Lock 30 Amp outlet to meet all your power needs.

Zoom on the Ryobi RY905500

In a nutshell, the Ryobi RY905500 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Ryobi RY905500 in use

The Ryobi RY905500

The Ryobi RY905500 is powered by a 420 cc Ryobi OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 5,500W as well as a peak wattage of 6,875W.

The generator features Ryobi's EasyStart pull-start mechanism (more information below). It is rated for a noise of 78 dBA (less noisy than a shower).

The RY905500 can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.6 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 6 gallons.

The RY905500 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RY905500 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.

Portability

The Ryobi RY905500 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L31.5 x W29 x H24 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 192 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

EasyStart Mechanism

ryobi easystart starting mechanism

Ryobi's 3-step EasyStart mechanism

The unit benefits from Ryobi’s EasyStart mechanism. This 3-step starting system allows you to easily start your generator. It works in the following way:

  1. Put the engine switch on the “ON” position, and place the lever on the “START” position
  2. Pull the recoil until the engine runs
  3. Let the engine run 15 to 30 seconds and place the lever on the “RUN” position

Features

Panel of the Ryobi RY905500

The RY905500's control panel

The RY905500's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Ryobi RY905500 also comes with some accessories: tool kit and oil are included.

Emissions

The Ryobi RY905500 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.

Product Video

The Ryobi RY905500 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ryobi RY905500 compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).

  • With its weight of 192 lbs, the Ryobi RY905500 is one of the heavier generators in the 5000-6000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE with only 106.9 pounds.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 78 dBA can be judged as noisy. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU7000iS. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 10 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the RY905500 falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Cat RP5500, as it provides around 15 hours.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.6 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the A-iPower SUA7000L, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.36 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (192 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (78 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Ryobi RY905500 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine420 cc Ryobi OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts5,500 W
Starting watts6,875 W
Running amps (@120/240V)45.8/22.9 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)57.3/28.6 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank6 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight192 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)31.5 x 29 x 24 in
Noise (lower limit)78 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, tool kit, and wheel kit
UPC046396010056

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

Spec Improvement×

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About Ryobi

Founded in 1943, Ryobi Limited is a Japanese based manufacturer that throughout its history mainly focused on electrical and automotive components. However, their quite recent power tool branch has proven to be popular for the quality and reliability of its products, which are nowadays found globally on the shelves of popular retailers. Ryobi products are listed to be produced in various locations globally, mainly US, Germany, Japan and China.

Warranty Information

The Ryobi RY905500 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Ryobi generators, please consult Ryobi's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-525-2579.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Security system180180
Total4397 W5872 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Radio100100
Total4390 W4980 W
For workTable saw18004500
Grinder14002500
Reciprocating saw730960
Bug zapper8080
Total4010 W6710 W
Is there a conversion kit to electric start? (Asked October 15, 2019)

As far as we know, there are no official conversion kits that serve that purpose.

what spark plug belongs in the 420 cc (Asked November 06, 2021)

Spark plug should be LG F7TC or equivalent.

how much oil does it take (Asked October 03, 2022)

Engine oil capacity is approximately 37 fl.oz.

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